The 23rd annual food drive for the Esquimalt Neighbourhood House by Township of Esquimalt staff has replenished the emergency pantry with vans full of food and supplies.
Esquimalt Neighbourhood House is a local non-profit that provides services such as food distribution, pre- and post-natal services, mental health support and senior support for those who need it in Esquimalt.
The food drive is an annual initiative started by public works staff that aims to fill the Esquimalt Neighbourhood House emergency pantry at the end of every year.
This year, the Township collected nearly 4,300 pounds of donations - enough to fill five vans with food and supplies.
Additionally, the Esquimalt Fire Fighters Association donated $5,000 to the Esquimalt Neighbourhood House in early December.
The executive director of Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society, Mary Lynn McKenna, said the donations from the yearly food drive help fill the food pantry year after year, providing much-needed resources to many in the community.
“We are called upon daily with requests from the community — families with children, people 55-plus and others — looking for urgent, short-term help with their food needs,” McKenna said in a statement. “We are able to quickly respond because of your generosity.”
While the food drive runs from early November to late December, donations can be made year-round at enh.bc.ca or in person.
There are a wide range of donations that can be made, including cash. Items that are accepted include baking supplies, pet food, baby food and other regular pantry items.
READ MORE: Records broken by Peninsula Firefighters Food Drive
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